US Sen. Hagan of NC backs same-sex marriage rights

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan says she backs marriage rights for same-sex couples, joining a growing number of Democratic Party politicians. She faces re-election next year.

Hagan made the announcement Wednesday. She had opposed a North Carolina constitutional amendment against gay marriage that passed last May. She said it could make it more difficult for companies to recruit talent.

President Barack Obama announced his support for gay marriage the day after 61 percent of North Carolina voters backed the gay-marriage amendment.

Hagan's position puts her in step with fellow Democrats. U.S. Sens. Jon Tester of Montana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, and Mark Warner of Virginia, this week declared support for gay marriage. Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio took that step last week.